Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 898: Measured and thoughtful, his tone carried the familiar weight of reason. "Maia's bravery struck a chord with everyone who saw what happened. To add to that, Vince is at the heart of a murder case this time-he's the brains behind it all. What's astonishing is how Maia never lost her composure and even managed to catch Vince off guard in such a volatile situation." A note of excitement crept in as Hurst continued, "She didn't just step up as a hero-her actions directly led to the arrest of a dangerous criminal right here in Wront." At that, Melanie's eyes grew wide in surprise.

Words caught in her throat, unable to break through. She hadn't expected her father's praise for Maia to eclipse her own admiration. What truly caught her off guard was how Hurst kept going, spending nearly twenty more minutes describing Maia's tactical brilliance, the public controversy swirling around her, and the way all this attention had turned into an economic windfall. According to Hurst, Maia came across as nothing short of a brilliant, fearless prodigy.

He confidently predicted that MCN was on the verge of skyrocketing in fame, and everything Maia touched-be it fashion, art, or any product-was destined to stay in vogue for ages. A knowing grin on his lips, Hurst said, "I've already secured the newest MCN designs for you. Honestly, if we wait much longer, even I might not be able to pull the right strings." Pausing for emphasis, he added, "Maia never fails to surprise me. I'm seriously considering meeting with her soon, just to explore whether there's room for business between us." That speech left him a little dry-mouthed.

He reached out, grasped his coffee from the table, and drank deeply. Melanie seized the opportunity, leaning in close to her father and wrapping her arm around his. With a teasing tilt to her voice, she pleaded, "Dad, it's been ages since I've seen you this excited about someone. Are you sure you're not willing to reconsider my idea?" That question made Hurst set his mug aside. He turned toward his daughter, and for once, the usual resistance in his eyes seemed to soften. gν﹐ⅽ Melanie's eyes sparkled with hope as she pressed on.

"Dad, I know I had the wrong impression of Maia before, but that's all behind me. After Mom passed, I imagined so many women possibly filling that place in your life, and none of them ever felt right. But now, honestly... I'd be happy if it was Maia. If you chose her, I'd welcome it." A faint flush colored Melanie's cheeks, something that rarely happened, though this time her words rang with fresh sincerity. Setting aside her usual shyness, she spoke directly, determined to convince Hurst about Maia. Second chances, after all, did not wait around forever.

"Maia would make the perfect stepmother if anyone could," Melanie insisted, pushing past her nerves while her heart thudded in her chest. An eyebrow lifted, Hurst gave her a look that was equal parts teasing and genuine. "You always have a new scheme brewing, Melanie. Maybe tomorrow you'll be on to the next idea-and maybe your opinion of Maia will change just as quickly." With a burst of determination, Melanie retorted, "Dad, I mean it. I could never feel that way about her again." Her uncharacteristic enthusiasm made Hurst laugh.

He reached out, squeezed her shoulder, and tapped her nose in a familiar gesture from her childhood. "Alright, alright, message received. Honestly, your hopes are written all over your face. You really do want to see me find happiness again, don't you?" . . .